The Bears signed veteran edge rusher Marcus Davenport, a first-round draft pick in 2018, to a one-year contract Monday.
Davenport, whom the Saints selected 14th overall that year, figures to be a depth piece — a fourth option, at best, behind Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo and Austin Booker.
Despite starting seven games for the Lions last season, he didn’t put up strong pass-rush statistics and was ranked 103rd out of the 115 edge rushers that Pro Football Focus graded. He had nine sacks in 2021 for the Saints but has had a combined four in four seasons since.
When the Bears return to practice Tuesday, they’ll have Davenport but will be without running back Kyle Monangai, who suffered an injury to his right knee Sunday. Although sources initially told the Sun-Times the outlook was promising and that Monangai avoided a catastrophic injury, ESPN reported he has a hyperextension that will cost him a few weeks.
Davenport, who visited the Bears on Sunday, already has strong connections on the team. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen coached him with the Saints, and coach Ben Johnson was on the Lions’ staff when Davenport was there in 2024.
To make room for him on their roster, the Bears waived tight end Nikola Kalinic with an injury designation after he hurt his knee in the first quarter of the preseason opener Saturday.
The Bears also waived running back Coleman Bennett and signed cornerback Deantre Prince, who played for Louisville in the United Football League this year.
